The Logan Park High School teacher has won a New Zealand Spelling Bee Teacher Award - one of four given to teachers across the country for their innovative and effective teaching programmes which instil a love of language in their pupils.
Ms Liesbeth won the award for her organisation of Dunedin Spelling Bee competitions and her innovative English teaching and learning programmes which focus on fostering a love of reading, writing and spelling.
She makes extensive use of Wikispaces for all her classes, and is able to communicate with pupils and parents outside school and encourage their learning anytime, anywhere.
Ms Liesbeth said she was surprised and excited about the award.
She said she would receive $2500 as part of the award, which she hoped to use to visit other innovative schools around New Zealand, and an education conference in Melbourne later this year.
''My initial vision was to have a wee explore at some innovative schools that are popping up around New Zealand.
''There are some amazing initiatives happening around the country.
''Teachers just don't have a lot of time to go and see what some of their colleagues are doing nationally.''
Ultimately, she hopes to share with other teachers the information she collects on her trips.
Ms Liesbeth will receive the award in Wellington on October 17, when the national final of the New Zealand Spelling Bee competition is held.
